Dec 26, 2008 7:04 pm US/Mountain
Exercising While Sick Not Always A Bad Idea
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Research shows exercise is a great way to boost your immunity and stay healthy, but what happens if you get sick?
Should you stay away from the gym if you're feeling a bit under the weather or is it okay to sweat out the sickness?
If you are trying to fight through a bad infection it generally is a really bad idea, according to CBS4's Dr. Dave Hnida. But for not-so-serious bugs or if you are well on the road to recovery, a little workout is probably not going to be harmful. And because research shows exercise can boost the immune system, it might actually be helpful.
Hnida recommends following the "rule of the neck."
Divide your symptoms into those above the neck and those below the neck. If you dont feel too bad and all you've got is a stuffy head, runny nose or a scratchy throat -- a little workout might be ok.
But if your symptoms are mainly below the neck -- like fever and muscle aches, a cough or an upset stomach, you need to stay on the sidelines.
If you ultimately decide that things aren't so bad and you will exercise, you still don't want to go full speed. Work your way back slowly. Walk and stretch to see if your body is ready for a workout.
If you still feel crummy your body is trying to tell you something and it would be a good idea to listen.
It can take 2 weeks or so after some infections to get your legs back. Be patient.
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